The family of Omogbolahan Emmanuel Olaniyi, an entrepreneur and farm manager kidnapped by suspected herdsmen in Oke-Ako, Ekiti State, has cried out for urgent government intervention after kidnappers refused to release him despite receiving a ₦15 million ransom.
Family members say the abductors have now issued fresh death threats, demanding an additional ₦55 million within 24 hours, warning that Olaniyi would be killed if their demands are not met.
Abduction and Ransom Payment
Olaniyi and one of his staff members, Kazeem, were abducted on October 23, 2025, while working at the farm in Oke-Ako town, Ekiti State.
According to family sources, the kidnappers initially demanded ₦15 million, along with food, drinks, recharge cards, and a mobile phone. The ransom was reportedly paid on October 30, 2025, at Egbe, Kogi State, under the assumption that Olaniyi would be released.
However, the victim has remained in captivity ever since.
“My brother, Omogbolahan Emmanuel Olaniyi, and one other staff were kidnapped on October 23 by suspected Fulani herdsmen at Oke-Ako farm. The kidnappers demanded ₦15 million and other items, which were delivered on October 30,” a distraught family member told SaharaReporters.
“Till now, he has not been freed, and the government of Ekiti State has done nothing to secure his release. This morning, they called again, threatening to kill him within 24 hours unless we pay another ₦55 million.”
The family also confirmed that Kazeem, one of the two abducted workers, was killed by the kidnappers last week.
New Threats and Desperate Plea
In a phone call obtained by SaharaReporters, the kidnappers were heard issuing death threats and demanding more ransom.
The victim’s mother, in a tearful video appeal, begged the abductors to spare her son’s life:
“Please, don’t kill him. We are coming. Please stop beating him. For God’s sake, where should we come? Don’t beat the boy. He’s only working for his boss. He just had an accident.”
The emotional video has drawn public sympathy, with many Nigerians expressing frustration over the growing wave of kidnappings in Ekiti and across the country.
Family Calls for Government Intervention
The family has appealed to Governor Biodun Oyebanji and security agencies to intervene immediately. They also called for better protection for farmers and rural workers, who they say have become easy targets for criminal gangs.
“We are begging the Ekiti State Government and all Nigerians to help. We have done everything humanly possible. We are running out of options,” the family pleaded.
Worsening Security Crisis
The Ekiti farm manager kidnapping adds to a rising number of abductions in Nigeria’s southwest region, where farmers, schoolchildren, and travellers have increasingly fallen victim to armed gangs.
Security experts have repeatedly warned that the failure to rescue victims or prosecute perpetrators has emboldened kidnappers, further undermining public confidence in law enforcement.
As of press time, neither the Ekiti State Police Command nor NAF had issued an official statement on the matter.
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